Radiodensity of the middle cerebral artery and correlation with the hemoglobin level in patients with and without stroke living at high altitudes

Authors

  • Charles Huamaní Universidad Andina del Cusco. Cusco, Peru
  • Víctor Oré-Montalvo Universidad Andina del Cusco. Cusco, Peru
  • William Bayona-Pancorbo Hospital Nacional Adolfo Guevara Velasco. Cusco, Peru
  • Carlos Pérez-Alviz Universidad Andina del Cusco. Cusco, Peru
  • Juan Acuña-Mamani Universidad Andina del Cusco. Cusco, Peru
  • Golda Córdova-Heredia Universidad Andina del Cusco. Cusco, Peru
  • Manuel Zuniga-Caballero Universidad Andina del Cusco. Cusco, Peru

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15381/anales.v84i3.25464

Keywords:

Cerebral Infarction, Tomography, Altitude, Middle Cerebral Artery

Abstract

Introduction. The sign of the hyperdense middle cerebral artery (MCA) evaluated by simple tomography allows predicting ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICD) with occlusion of a large vessel, however, it is common to identify this sign in residents with high hemoglobin levels without symptoms of ICD. Objectives. To evaluate the correlation between the radiodensity of the MCA and the hemoglobin level in patients with and without ICD, residing in a high-altitude city. Methods. Analytical observational study, including people residing in Cusco (located at 3300 masl) who attended the emergency service and underwent a brain tomography, presenting or not ICD symptoms. ACM radiodensity was measured and correlated with the hemoglobin level. Results. 279 patients were included, the average hemoglobin was 15.1 and standard deviation (DE) of 2.5 mg/dL, in the controls a significant correlation was identified (r = 0.425, p<0.01) between the radiodensity of the MCA with the hemoglobin level. In the cases with right ICD, the radiodensity of the right MCA was 46.9 (DE = 7.7 HU) and of the left it was 46.1 (DE = 6.6 HU), with no statistical differences (p=0 ,24). No differences were found in the cases with left ICD either. Conclusion. There is a correlation between the radiodensity of the MCA with the hemoglobin level in the inhabitants who live at high altitudes, however, it is not possible to demonstrate significant differences between the radiodensity between the affected MCA and the contralateral one in the cases of an ICD.

Author Biographies

  • Charles Huamaní, Universidad Andina del Cusco. Cusco, Peru

    Médico neurólogo, magíster en ciencias en investigación epidemiológica.

  • Víctor Oré-Montalvo, Universidad Andina del Cusco. Cusco, Peru

    Médico neurólogo.

  • William Bayona-Pancorbo, Hospital Nacional Adolfo Guevara Velasco. Cusco, Peru

    Médico neurólogo.

  • Carlos Pérez-Alviz, Universidad Andina del Cusco. Cusco, Peru

    Médico neurólogo.

  • Juan Acuña-Mamani, Universidad Andina del Cusco. Cusco, Peru

    Médico neurólogo.

  • Golda Córdova-Heredia, Universidad Andina del Cusco. Cusco, Peru

    Licenciada en enfermería.

  • Manuel Zuniga-Caballero, Universidad Andina del Cusco. Cusco, Peru

    Estudiante de medicina.

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Published

2023-09-28

Issue

Section

Artículo Original

How to Cite

1.
Huamaní C, Oré-Montalvo V, Bayona-Pancorbo W, Pérez-Alviz C, Acuña-Mamani J, Córdova-Heredia G, et al. Radiodensity of the middle cerebral artery and correlation with the hemoglobin level in patients with and without stroke living at high altitudes. An Fac med [Internet]. 2023 Sep. 28 [cited 2024 Jul. 17];84(3):267-71. Available from: https://revistasinvestigacion.unmsm.edu.pe/index.php/anales/article/view/25464